Levi Colbert
Levi Colbert (1759–1834), also known as Itawamba in Chickasaw, was a leader and chief of the Chickasaw nation. Colbert was called Itte-wamba Mingo, meaning bench chief. He and his brother George Colbert were prominent interpreters and negotiators with United States negotiators in the early decades of the 19th century. They were appointed by President Andrew Jackson's administration to gain cession of their lands and arrange for removal of their people to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. They were under considerable pressure from the Mississippi state government, white interlopers in their area, and the federal government to cede their lands.
Levi Colbert | |
---|---|
Itawamba, Itte-wamba Mingo | |
Chickasaw leader | |
Succeeded by | George Colbert |
Personal details | |
Born | 1759 Muscle Shoals, Alabama |
Died | June 2, 1834 Buzzard Roost, Alabama |
Resting place | Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia, Alabama |
Spouse(s) | Ishtimmarharlechar, Temusharhoctay 'Dollie' (Schtimmarshashoctay), Mintahoyo House (Minto-Ho-Yo) of Imatapo, Seletia Colbert |
Relations | Brother, George Colbert; Nephew, Holmes Colbert |
Children | Sons: Martin, Charles, Alex, Adam, Lemuel, Daugherty, Ebijah, Commodore and Lewis; Daughters: Charity, Mariah, Phalishta and Asa |
Parent(s) | James Colbert Sopha Minta Hoye |
Nickname | "Okolona" ("calm or peaceful") |
Levi Colbert (Itawamba) worked most closely with US Indian Agent John Dabney Terrell, Sr. of Marion County, Alabama. The Chickasaw negotiated hard; after their representatives initially surveyed the lands offered in the West, they returned saying it was unacceptable. The Chickasaw worked to gain more approval over their future lands.